'Not enjoying the sport': Max Verstappen admits he could make stunning career choice 

Red Bull Formula One driver Max Verstappen has admitted he's losing his need for speed. 

After finishing eighth at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, the four-time world champion admitted he's no longer "enjoying the sport." Then, when asked if he would consider retiring, Verstappen — who's under contract through 2028 — didn't rule out that possibility.

Max Verstappen suggests he's considering retiring from F1

"That's what I'm saying," Verstappen said (h/t ESPN's Nate Saunders). "I'm thinking about everything in this paddock.

"Privately, I'm very happy. You also wait for 24 races. This time it's 22. But normally 24. And then you just think about is it worth it? Or do I enjoy being more at home with my family? Seeing my friends more when you're not enjoying the sport?"

Saunders added that a Dutch newspaper, De Telegraaf, previously reported that he could quit the sport. It's normally a reliable resource on the Dutch driver.

Verstappen — who turns 29 on Sept. 30 — clarified he won't quit during the season, and it's not only Red Bull's woes that are shaping his thinking. The team has struggled to adapt to a slew of regulation changes, leaving the driver out of title contention. He has failed to podium in all races this season and hasn't finished in the top five. 

"Who cares about trying to go 24 times a year around the world, trying to hunt for another title," he said. "I don't care if I win four or eight. I want to live my life. You only live once, and I don't want to spend 25 years of that in a racing car."

How stunning would Max Verstappen's retirement be? 

Verstappen's retirement would be similar to when former Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders hung up his cleats after the 1998 season. He only needed 1,457 rushing yards to break former Chicago Bears RB Walter Payton's (16,726) all-time record. Former Dallas Cowboys RB Emmitt Smith has since eclipsed this mark (18,355). 

Like Sanders, Verstappen — who ranks third in career victories (71) behind Michael Schumacher (91) and Lewis Hamilton (105) — doesn't compete in his sport to break records. He does it for fun, and he's no longer having it, making him question his future.